Lace VL Hub to 16" Rim

[Buster]

Is there a OEM harley spoke set I can use to lace a VL hub to a 16" harley rim or do I have to use custom made spokes. Thanks.

[LouieMCman]

I'm just wondering why you would want to do that? Thanks.

[exeric]

Apparently that was not uncommon in the 40s and 50s, to make a VL ride softer by lacing a 16" rim to the rear hub. Also, 16" rims were all the rage by 1940 and it was seen as a smart upgrade, that made a VL look contemporary.

[Buster]

I am piecing together an inexpensive incorrect VL from parts and have decided to go period 40's-50's style. It was popular as a rear wheel, I will use stock 19" rim on front. Anyone have any info on type spokes.

[Sargehere]

Measure the O.D. of the 1935-66 Harley Star Hub and your VL hub. I think it's very close to the VL. IIRC, close enuf that spokes made for a Star Hub would then work in the VL hub. Or, you can see the difference, shortening and threading each spoke half the difference if the VL spoke ring is larger. If you're going to build a bike on the cheap, you'll have to be ready to improvise!

[Rubone]

The major difference in the spokes for a VL is in the head angle. The VL flange is vertical, a star hub horizontal. Star hub spokes don't work as spokes for a vl have a different angle and shoulder length. A supplier such as Buchanan's most likely has the spoke dimensions in their data base as a VL hub is very similar to a WR/KR type as far as flange shape.
Oh, and Sarge,
He said period not cheap!

[Sargehere]

Rub, he said "inexpensive." 16s were not laced stock to VL hubs. Either you make-do and experiment or go with a custom set of spokes from the likes of Buchanan's. I had to say something to draw you out.

[Rubone]

Rub, he said "inexpensive." 16s were not laced stock to VL hubs. Either you make-do and experiment or go with a custom set of spokes from the likes of Buchanan's. I had to say something to draw you out.

And people wonder why no one bothers to post on here!
Good luck Buster. You're in Sarge's hands now!

[Sargehere]

No, you're on your own, like everyone. You ask a question, you get a variety of responses and like everyone, you mull them over and they help you make a decision. Some have specific knowledge, some have opinions, some draw on long experience with similar conundrums. Some overbearing twits think they know everything about everything and brook no others' opinions on anything.

It's all good; unless you run into a misshapen human crocodile bent on ripping people's heads off because that's the only way he knows how to interact on the internet..

[Buster]

I like to use OEM parts when possible and I like to do "inexpensive" so I can own more flatheads. It was a conversion done prior to the modern repo spokes available through Buchanan. I know KR spokes have similar angle and will look into available lengths. I believe the angles might be the same as VL. Thanks!!

[diesel55]

Hello back in 60's-70's we bought spoke blanks from dixie and used a hand operated spoke die to make are own length spokes for custom wheels. if you have 18-19 inch vl spokes cut them and redo threads.

[Buster]

Thanks, that is the info I need. I am sure spokes have atypical HD thread pitch. I will check for spoke die.

[Tommo]

Just remember with spokes there are two available thread forms
ROLLED and CUT
Don't try and mix them up because the whole job will only end in tears if you do.